Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?
Honda CRV- it’s been a strong partner… It’s been so dependable- the only repair has been a flat tire!! I’m just getting back into touring, so right now, it’s a low-mileage touring SUV. It’s been smooth sailing with Hazel the Honda!!!
How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?
I look for a Just Salad or Chopped… If there’s nothing around, I head to Chipotle… Or Panera…
How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?
Mmmmm- I really swear by my strings- John Pearse. I don’t break them very often, but I tend to replace my set every three to four months.
Where do you rehearse?
I do most of my rehearsing in my bedroom… So yeah… I have a lot of sentimental things floating around. A macrame owl, a small collection of glass roosters, a wooden doll from Poland, some Snoopys, a metal yellow submarine… I think you get the picture… I keep it real… Sentimental, that is. Crazy experiences at rehearsal??? I mean, it’s my bedroom- I think you know the craziness- no more, but no less!!!
What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?
“Cry Mercy” – “No one knew, not a word was spoken, she felt so different, everything had changed. And the laughter at the table covered her like water, drowning the tears but not stopping the pain.”
Describe your first gig.
Oy- It was at The Spiral, and I was scared shitless. I had my lyrics in front of me, and barely got through about five songs. Literally, I was shaking like a leaf.
What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?
I still have a day job. I sell contemporary menswear to stores. I LOVE it!! I meet great people and get to travel all over the globe.
How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?
I’ve never made a ton of money with music, but I have always been able to feed my love and follow my heart. It’s nice when a check comes through- it makes me feel like I’m being heard, but when someone says they love my music and they relate to my music, that means everything to me. That’s the real payment, and I hope I hear from more and more people over the next 5-10 years.
What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?
Fear can be debilitating, but it’s a lie. If you are true to yourself, you will find your strength and confidence growing- the doubt just fades away. Don’t let the fear tell you that you aren’t worth your joy. I wish I had known that a long time ago.